The Worst Video Games of This Year, Per Review Aggregator Metacritic

Across the internet, gamers are eagerly sharing their selections of the greatest titles of 2025. Yet, where are the stinkers, the low achievers? We'll take a few moments to honor the absolute worst games of the year, as determined by the aggregate scores from Metacritic. Could each of these games truly as terrible as the ratings suggest? We shall see.

10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2

Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10

The early response to this showcase title were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a free pack-in like some other console launches. Professional assessment varied dramatically, from "crushing disappointment" to slightly kinder appraisals that noted the charming software itself. Despite the controversy, the title proved to be a strong seller during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10

Presented as "more than a racing game," this driving sim from European developers garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game felt unfinished in almost every category, especially in a year packed with excellent racing titles. For many, this disappointing sim was best left on the shelf.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10

First things first: the irritating colon usage is a silly annoyance. This anthology of retro platforming games revives a rude feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were mediocre in their time and have not improved with age. The surprisingly strong user score is a peculiar contrast to the critical reception.

7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game

Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5

This anime-inspired brawler was met with widespread disappointment from both reviewers and players. Complaints centered on a thin roster of characters and a severe lack of content. Fan reaction was particularly vitriolic, with some expressing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for the developers.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Aggregate Score: 51, User Score: 5.3

Hailing from the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting Dogoos. Critics argued that its effort to recreate a rolling-collection experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a cash grab than a worthy series entry. Its short length combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a curious artifact from the mid-2000s, launched after a very long time in development hell. The team behind it made the decision to release the game as an original product of its time, fully aware that contemporary players might dislike its retro feel. As such, many reviews noted that the tale of its journey was more compelling than the game itself.

4. Scar-Lead

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 2.4

This anime-styled roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Common complaints were repetitive adversaries, samey environments, and a forgettable story. A much-criticized system involving the character's attire was universally disliked and undermined the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9

Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the memorable characters. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Critics found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the treatment of its subject matter was criticized as being insensitive. The overall experience was deemed not very compelling.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Aggregate Score: 43, Audience Score: 5.8

This shift away from the classic digital companion formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a dull assortment of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a profound lack of satisfying gameplay.

1. MindsEye

Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5

Intended to be a major open-world action game from a studio led by well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, boring plot, and a multitude of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to decades-old games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.